Caulker was expected to play only a bit-part role for Tottenham this season but an injury to Younes Kaboul, and the 20-year-old’s excellent form during the Olympics, means he is now one of the first players on Andre Villas-Boas’ team sheet and has earned an England debut.

Despite his young age, Villas-Boas has placed his faith in Caulker for the games against Manchester City, Chelsea, Lazio and Manchester United - and he is almost certain to start tomorrow’s huge north London derby at the Emirates Stadium.

Caulker made his debut against the Gunners in a League Cup clash two years ago. The experience proved to be an unhappy one as Arsenal ran out 4-1 winners over an experimental Tottenham side.

Caulker did gain a small slice of revenge when he triumphed over Arsenal while on loan at Swansea last season, and he admits lining up against Arsene Wenger’s side for Tottenham will be a huge honour.

“It will be very surreal knowing that in the space of two years I will be playing them again in a Tottenham shirt in a league game,” Caulker told Spurs TV Online.

“That’s what I have always wanted to do. Last year I beat Arsenal 3-2 when I was at Swansea.

“That was obviously a great moment and I hope we can do the same at the weekend.”

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